About 150 Ft Above The Ground, The Engine Started To Run Rough

Location: Syracuse, KS Accident Number: CEN22LA185
Date & Time: April 28, 2022, 10:40 Local Registration: N37888
Aircraft: Superior Culver LFA Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On April 28, 2022, about 1040 central daylight time, a Superior Culver LFA, N37888, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident at the Syracuse-Hamilton County Municipal Airport (3K3), Syracuse, Kansas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

Witnesses reported that they observed the airplane takeoff; about 150 ft above the ground, the engine started to run rough. The pilot made a hard left turn in a nose high attitude; it appeared that he was attempting to return to the runway. The engine was still running rough when the left wing dropped, and the airplane descended rapidly. It impacted the ground in a nose low attitude and a post-crash fire ensued.

The airplane was recently rebuilt, and the engine was overhauled. The purpose of the accident flight was to transport the airplane from the maintenance facility to its owner in another state.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov